Grading is an assessment of performance similar to getting an evaluation at a job. At the start of the class, a teacher outlines grading criteria and how accomplishments, or a lack thereof, on tests, homework and projects will correlate to a grade. Students who are achievement-motivated often set goals and work diligently to earn A's and B's. Other students are motivated to achieve a certain GPA to ensure extracurricular eligibility. In other cases, grades simply drive students to do what is necessary to earn credits and to complete school requirements.
At their core, grades provide a teacher's best assessment of the level at which a given student has mastered course curriculum. In theory, a student who earns an A has completed work with a stronger degree of mastery than a student with a D or an F. Thus, as a feedback tool, grades alert students and parents to how well students are learning skills necessary for further success.
Formal grading systems typically spark increased communication among students, teachers, administrators and parents. Students who care strongly about grades and performance often approach teachers outside of class to address concerns and gain more insight. Parents also may contact teachers to discuss student challenges and to find out why grades aren't up to par. This ongoing interaction can provide opportunities for teachers to better understand student roadblocks and for students and parents to get more direction on improvement.
While critics note that grades may take focus off of the actual learning process, they can, in fact, provide a frame of reference that shows whether students are putting maximum effort into learning. A highly intelligent and capable student with relatively low grades may realize, with help from teachers and parents, that he is capable of learning more by applying himself. Additionally, poor grades often result when students miss class, fail to complete work or don't put in maximum effort. Improving all of these areas may lead to better grades and indirectly provide lessons on the importance of hard work and accountability.